O-1ASports and athleticsEmployerDecided July 2020Dismissed
Outcome: Dismissed
JUL232020_02D8101
AwardsNot metMembershipClaimed, not analyzedFinal meritsNot reached / not discussed
Our summary
Non-profit Nordic ski club petitioned to classify assistant ski coach as O-1A nonimmigrant of extraordinary ability in athletics. AAO dismissed because beneficiary failed to meet the required minimum three of eight alternate evidentiary criteria. Awards evidence lacked documentation of national or international recognition; further criteria not analyzed due to failure at threshold.
Official PDF
Official PDF ↗Published by USCIS. The summary is ours, in our own words; the decision text is on uscis.gov.
No criterion in the table was found met in this decision.
What was missing
- Awards · Petitioner submitted screenshots and photographs of awards without supporting documentation demonstrating national or international recognition for excellence as coach.
Criteria
| Criterion | Reading | Why |
|---|---|---|
 Awards | Not met | Petitioner submitted screenshots and photographs of awards without supporting documentation demonstrating national or international recognition for excellence as coach. |
 Membership | Claimed, not analyzed | Claimed on appeal but not reached; petitioner must satisfy at least three criteria and failed awards criterion. |
 Final merits | Not reached / not discussed | Not reached because beneficiary did not establish minimum three evidentiary criteria. |
A published decision describes one case. It is not legal advice and not a prediction for yours.